CHAPTER FOUR

Lorelai woke up early and although she tried, there was no going back to sleep. She kept thinking about Luke. She had never really thought about his daily life before. She always teased him about being a 'mountain man' but she hadn't really put much thought into it. He was usually at the diner or out with Nicole. But now that Jess was gone, he was living alone again. She knew she didn't like being alone but Rory had been with her for the last eighteen years. She remembered when Rachel came back it had kind of freaked him out when she was there all the time. So she just assumed that he liked living alone. But last night, with that one little comment, he had surprised her. They were both alone and she was starting to think that it bothered him as much as it bothered her. But Luke has Nicole-who can stay over anytime now that Jess is gone. And I still have Rory almost every weekend. Just not the one coming up, remembering she'd see her at Friday night dinner but then Rory was going back to school for a weekend seminar.

Lorelai had already talked to Rory --woken her up actually-what a cranky girl. She had to share the dream and get her interpretation. Big mistake. That was the last time she was sharing her dreams with Rory. When it came to Luke, it was always the same-hidden feelings or something sexual. This time she had said "Santa Claus fulfills all of our wishes, so obviously Luke will make all of your dreams come true". Lorelai wouldn't accept that so Rory said it must have something to do with him being her boss. That was better, made more sense. Lorelai hung up happy.

Thursday night was town meeting night so the diner would be busy for a while and then Luke would close and go to the meeting. Depending on the atmosphere of the meeting, sometimes he would reopen later for dessert. Most times not, Luke became agitated very easily when it came to Taylor's town meetings. So it should be an easy night at the diner and hopefully, a wild and crazy town meeting. Lorelai loved town meetings.

Luke locked the door and he and Lorelai made the short walk to Miss Pattys. Patty and Babette smiled when they entered together. They were sure something was about to happen there. After all these were two very bright people, obviously very attracted to each other, but for some reason just didn't have a clue. Everyone else in town knew. Why was it taking them so long? Now that they were together everyday, maybe they might figure it out.

B-o-r-i-n-g thought Lorelai, nothing new or controversial going on here. Should have stayed at the diner or gone home for a nap. Luke hadn't huffed or puffed even once. He just sat there looking at Taylor, arms across his chest. She poked him just to make sure he was still awake. He jumped and she spilled her coffee in his lap. "Geez, Lorelai, was that necessary? "

"Sorry, Luke, I didn't do it on purpose or to get your attention or anything. You jumped--I spilled-totally your fault!"

"Only you could dump cold coffee on someone and then try to blame it on them!"

Someone handed her some napkins and she started dabbing at the spill--then she realized she was treading on some very personal space--Luke's very personal space. Luke had such a look on his face, she just had to laugh. "It's ok Luke. Stopping now, hands leaving the area...."

"Yea, well, now that you're done.....um......guess I'll just head back to the diner. Change my clothes..... "

"I'm coming with. You're not leaving me here alone. I can help..."

"Help me change my clothes? I'm a big boy, Lorelai. I've been doing it all by myself for years."

"Dirty" Lorelai whispered. Luke gave her 'that look' as they both got up to leave.

Patty and Babette were in hysterics--giving here the thumbs up. "Way to go, honey."

As soon as they left, Taylor adjourned the meeting. Nothing more would be accomplished tonight. Sometimes Luke and Lorelai were just like children. He might have to speak to them.

Everyone else headed to the diner but it was closed. Luke had had enough for one night. And he still needed to get the diner ready for the next day.

Luke came downstairs feeling much better in dry pants. He found Lorelai had finished the work and had settled at the counter with another cup of coffee.

"You look better, nice and dry. Feeling better? Am I forgiven?"

"Definitely feeling better. I can almost see the humor in the situation, but I'm not there yet. And forgiveness must be earned."

"I swept-I mopped--I filled--I emptied--I earned."

"Well, just keep that cup far away from me. I can see the steam from here."

"Scary, huh? Hot coffee in the wrong hands. ' Night Luke. Going home to get my beauty sleep. Have to rest up for Friday night dinner at the Gilmores. Thanks again for the strings, Rory."

Luke laughed as he locked the door. Never a dull moment with Lorelai around. And he was starting to enjoy this insanity in his life. It had been there for years but now it somehow had taken on new meaning.

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